Protégé Elite

Protégé Elite Non-Surgical Facelift Treatment

Advanced Treatment For Toning, Radio Frequency Skin Tightening, and Improving Skin Texture in the San Diego Area

Dr. Melanie Palm is a nationally recognized dermatologist and an expert in the treatment of cosmetic and medical skin conditions. Dr. Palm is an expert in non surgical facelifts, radio frequency skin tightening for the face and body. Dr. Palm is a noted leader in her field and has served on Advisory Boards and Physician Speaker Bureaus. Her offices are located in Solana Beach, CA just north of San Diego.

What is Protégé Elite?

Protégé Elite is a no-downtime, no pain, in-office procedure for toning, tightening, and improving texture to sagging skin of the brows, lower face, jawline, neck, and body. Protégé Elite utilizes radiofrequency technology during the roughly 30-minute procedure to gently warm the skin, encouraging new collagen growth over time.

Who is a good candidate for Protégé Elite?

Patients with relatively good skin elasticity or “spring back” respond more readily to treatment. Younger patients may have more dramatic responses. Patients with poor skin texture may have more modest results or require more frequent treatments. Anyone seeking skin tightening but hoping to avoid discomfort or surgery may benefit from Protégé Elite.

Protégé Elite Treatment FAQ

How does a Protégé Elite treatment Feel?

Treatment with Protégé Elite is easy and painless. Treatment to a single area takes approximately 20 minutes. During treatment the Protégé Elite tip is constantly gliding over the skin in continual arcs and circles. The treatment feels like a warm roller ball floating over the skin’s surface. No pain medication or numbing cream is required.

How many Protégé Elite treatments are recommended?

A series of treatments is recommended. Protégé Elite is typically performed as 3-4 sessions spaced two to four weeks apart.

Is there downtime following Protégé Elite?

No. Unlike many other skin tightening devices, there is no downtime following treatment. The skin appears normal and without inflammation after treatment.

How does Protégé Elite work?

Protégé Elite is a monopolar radiofrequency device. Specialized, safe electrical energy is delivered by the Protégé Elite tip to the skin. A grounding pad, usually placed on one’s back during the treatment, ensures safe delivery of the radiofrequency. During treatment, radiofrequency energy flows from the treatment tip to the skin, warming the skin to approximately 42 to 44 degrees Celsius. At this temperature, collagen undergoes structural changes. Over a period of weeks to months following treatment, new collagen growth is encouraged, leading to improvement in skin texture, laxity, and even wrinkles.

When will I notice results following Protégé Elite treatment?

As Protégé Elite works by stimulating new collagen growth, a process called “neocollagenesis,” results take some time to develop. Typically, results are seen within a period of weeks to months.

What areas of the face or body are treated with Protégé Elite?

Protégé Elite is FDA-cleared for skin toning and firming. Many areas on the face and body may benefit from this treatment. Common areas of treatment on the face include the area around the eyes, the jowls, lower face, and neck. Protégé Elite may also be used on the body to tighten skin. Skin laxity of the arms, knees, and even abdomen may be improved with treatment.

Will I need re-treatment? How long do results last following Protégé Elite?

Protégé Elite leads to visible skin tightening effects but maintenance treatments are always encouraged. Typically, patients may have a “touch-up” session once a year, although the frequency is highly dependent on the individual.

What is the cost of Protégé Elite?

Protégé Elite is priced as a package of four sessions to encourage the best results. Pricing is based on the area of treatment. Discounts are provided when multiple treatment areas are treated.

What are the possible side effects of Protégé Elite?

Adverse effects from Protégé Elite are uncommon and mild in nature. Mild redness or a hive-like reaction is possible but rare. A burn or nerve injury is extremely unlikely given the automatic shut-off safety features on this radiofrequency device. This differentiates Protégé Elite from other radiofrequency devices that may cause burns or pain, especially when treatment occurs over bony surfaces.

Can I combine Protégé Elite with other procedures?

Yes. Protégé Elite is an excellent compliment to Ultherapy, a robust ultrasound device used as a nonsurgical alternative to deeper tissue tightening. Typically, botulinum toxin injections such as Botox and Dysport are avoided on the same day of treatment. Fillers such as Juvederm or Sculptra are best completed at separate visits. However, other aesthetician services may be completed on the same day, and Protégé Elite could be completed the same day as some laser or light-based procedures such as IPL or Spectra.

If you are in the San Diego area and are interested in learning more about a non-surgical facelift with Protégé Elite, call Dr. Melanie Palm at 858.792.SKIN (7546) to schedule your appointment.

Request Appointment

Dr. Melanie Palm, Art of Skin, MD and her friendly staff are available to discuss your skin's needs. We offer a variety of cosmetic procedures, from body contouring to injectables. For your convenience, you may submit the request appointment form, and a member of our diligent staff will reply shortly to schedule your consultation.

If you’re experiencing an emergency, do not contact us through our website. Call our office directly at 858.792.SKIN (7546).